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Buxus sempervirens (Common Box or European Box; also as Boxwood) is a flowering plant in the genus Buxus, native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia, from southern England south to northern Morocco, and east through the northern Mediterranean region to Turkey.

It is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 1-9 m tall, with a trunk up to 20 cm diameter, exceptionally to 10 m tall and 45 cm diameter (Tree Register of the British Isles). The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, green to yellow-green, oval, 15-30 mm long and 5-13 mm broad. The flowers are inconspicuous, greenish-yellow, with no petals; the fruit is a three-lobed capsule containing 3-6 seeds.

The species typically grows on soils derived from chalk, limestone, usually as an understorey in forests of larger trees, most commonly associated with Fagus sylvatica forests, but also sometimes in open dry montane scrub, particularly in the Mediterranean region. Box Hill, Surrey is named after its notable box population, which comprises the largest area of native box woodland in England.

It is a very popular ornamental plant in gardens, being particularly valued for topiary and hedges because of its tolerance of close shearing, small leaves, and scented foliage. Several cultivars have been selected, including some with variegated foliage.

The wood ("boxwood") is very hard and heavy, used for engraving, marquetry, woodturning, and mallet heads. The noted English engraver Thomas Bewick pioneered the use of boxwood blocks for engraving.

The species is locally naturalised in parts of North America.[2]-------------------------------------------------------------------From a holistic equine site: (it kills horses)

Boxwood -"Buxus sempervirens"

Boxwood has been used as a diaphoretic and purgative over the years. The bark and leaves are considered medicinal.

The toxic alkaloids in this plant are not clearly identified, but are know to be highly poisonous to horses. A horse need only eat about a half pound of leaves to be fatal. Signs of poisoning are severe stomach/colic like symptoms with blood in the manure. The horse usually dies from respiratory failure within 5 hours. Death is swift.

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From Biotonical.com: (its a purgative!- a purging medicine; stimulates evacuation of the bowels)

---Description---Box in its familiar dwarfed state is merely a shrub, but when left to grow naturally it will become a small tree 12 to 15 feet in height, rarely exceeding 20 feet, with a trunk about 6 inches in diameter covered with a rugged, greyish bark, that of the branches being yellowish. It belongs to the family Buxacece, a very small family of only six genera and about thirty species, closely related to the Spurge family - Euphorbiaceae. Only this evergreen species has been utilized in medicine.

Its twigs are densely leafy and the leaves are about 1/2 inch in length, ovate, entire, smooth, thick, coriaceous and dark green. They have a peculiar, rather disagreeable odour and a bitter and somewhat astringent taste. The flowers are in heads, a terminal female flower, surrounded by a number of male flowers. The fruit dehisces explosively the inner layer of the pericarp separating from the outer and shooting out the seed by folding into a U-shape.

---Constituents---The leaves have been found to contain besides a small amount of tannin and unimportant constituents, a butyraceous volatile oil and three alkaloids: (i) Buxine, the important constituent, chiefly responsible for the bitter taste and now regarded as identical with the Berberine of Nectander bark, (ii) Parabuxine, (iii) Parabuxonidine, which turns turmeric paper deep red. The bark contains chlorophyll, wax, resin, argotized tallow, gum, lignin, sulphates of potassium and lime, carbonates of lime and magnesia, phosphates of lime, iron and silica.

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---Medicinal Action and Uses---The wood in its native countries is considered diaphoretic, being given in decoction as an alterative for rheumatism and secondary syphilis. Used as a substitute for guaiacum in the treatment of venereal disease when sudorifics are considered to be the correct specifics.

It has been found narcotic and sedative in full doses; emetico-cathartic and convulsant in overdose. The tincture was formerly used as a bitter tonic and antiperiodic and had the reputation of curing leprosy.

A volatile oil distilled from the wood has been prescribed in cases of epilepsy. The oil has been employed for piles and also for toothache.

The leaves, which have a nauseous taste, have sudorific, alterative and cathartic properties being given in powder, in which form they are also an excellent vermifuge.

Various extracts and perfumes were formerly made from the leaves and bark. A decoction was recommended by some writers as an application to promote the growth of the hair. The leaves and sawdust boiled in Iye were used to dye hair an auburn colour.

Dried and powdered, the leaves are still given to horses for the purpose of improving their coats. The powder is regarded by carters as highly poisonous, to be given with great care. In Devonshire, farriers still employ the old-fashioned remedy of powdered Box leaves for bot-worm in horses.

In former days, Box was the active ingredient in a once-famous remedy for the bite of a mad dog.

Animals in this country will not touch Box, and though camels are said to readily eat the leaves, they are poisoned by them.

The timber, though small, is valuable on account of its hardness and heaviness, being the hardest and heaviest of all European woods. It is of a delicate yellow colour, dense in structure with a fine uniform grain, which gives it unique value for the wood-engraver, the most important use to which it is put being for printing blocks and engraving plates. An edge of this wood stands better than tin or lead, rivalling brass in its wearing power. A large amount is used in the manufacture of measuring rules, various mathematical instruments, flutes and other musical instruments and the wooden parts of tools, for which a perfectly rigid and non-expansive material is required, as well as for toilet boxes, pillrounders and similar articles.

The Boxwood used by cabinet-makers and turners in France is chiefly the root. Gerard tells us: 'The root is likewise yellow and harder than the timber, but of greater beauty and more fit for dagger haftes, boxes and suchlike. Turners and cuttlers do call this wood Dudgeon, wherewith they make Dudgeonhafted daggers.'

In France, Boxwood has been used as a substitute for hops and the branches and leaves of Box have been recommended as by far the best manure for the vine, as it is said no plant by its decomposition affords a greater quantity of vegetable manure.

Over here in Germany (don't know about the other countries), there's currently a boxwood disease going around. It's a viral culprit (isn't it always?) which makes the leaves go yellow-brown and after a while, it kills the bush because it can't photosynthesize anymore. It's a big problem because there are so many boxwoods out there in the parks, gardens and graveyards.

Hmmm, I'm not so sure, while it lists it in the herb box, I've never heard of using boxwood as a herbal for HIV.

That's why i did the search. I start with the buyers club search engine, which lists the following herbals they feel are relevent to us poz folks.

Boxwood is not listed there, this is what they currently have knowledge of:

Botanicals, HIV, and Immune SupportDESCRIPTION: Overview (Adapted from NYBC's Managing HIV Symptoms and Drug Side Effects)PREFACE: General cautionary note: Many natural therapies that are currently freely available on the commercial market work through enhancing normal bodily processes and mechanisms, such as enhancement of cardiovascular, immune, or liver functions. Normally, such effects are highly desirable and beneficial. However, caution is advised: therapies that enhance liver function can dramatically alter the level of conventional medications that occur in the blood, thereby potentially affecting their efficacy.

When starting on natural therapies, especially those affecting the liver, it is wise to consult with a qualified natural health care consultant. At the end of this document you will find a list of referrals for natural healthcare providers who can help you make informed decisions about your health management strategy.

Go to list of natural healthcare providers.

INTRODUCTION:

In addition to direct therapies used for the reduction of viral loads and improvement of immune deficiency syndromes, there are numerous botanical and nutritional therapies that can be used to support secondary conditions and symptoms that are common among those with immunodeficiency syndromes. Following is a review of some of these therapies including an overview of primary categories of nutrients that are key to maintaining health. It is important to remember that herbal medicines are used within the context of a comprehensive healing program and, when used by experts, are typically formulated according to the specific needs of the patients.

For expert advice regarding herbal medicines, consumers and patients should seek the assistance of a qualified herbal health care practitioner.There are numerous botanical therapies that are specific for enhancing immune function. These botanicals can be used alone to enhance immune resistance as well as be used in conjunction with conventional anti-HIV therapies. Many of these botanicals are also used to enhance immune resistance in those undergoing conventional therapies for cancer. Most have specific antitumor and antiviral activity as well as general and broad ranging immune enhancing effects such as restoration of hematopoiesis, enhancement of macrophage count and activity, increase in CD4s, and improved ratios of CD4s/CD8s. Most also have liver supportive effects in those with chronic hepatitis.

Clinically it is used to support immune resistance in subjects undergoing conventional cancer and HIV therapies. It is specifically used in the restoration of immunocompetence after conventional chemotherapies.

Astragalus has also been shown to have hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity (increases glutathione) and is widely used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis.

In healthy individuals, it is the most specific botanical used in the prevention of infections. It is best used in conjunction with other immunomodulating botanicals such as atractylodes and ligustrum.RELATEDLINKS: Read more about astragalus on NYBC's Astragalus Fact Sheet

BOTANICAL: Atractylodes Root: Atractylodes has been reported to increase phagocytic action of the reticuloerndothelial system, increase white blood cell count, and enhance cellular immunity. It is one of the primary botanicals for increasing immune resistance. It is best combined with other tonics such as astragalus and ligustrum.

BOTANICAL: Echinacea: Echinacea is the primary immune stimulating botanical used in western herbalism. It has a specific action of enhancing macrophage activity, acting as an anti-inflammatory, through the inhibition of hyaluronidase (an enzyme associated with inflammation), and exhibiting antiviral activity against numerous viruses.

It is most widely used for the prevention and treatment of colds, influenzas (flu), and systemic infections, though clinical data regarding its efficacy is mixed.

Three primary species are used: E. angustifolia, E. pallida, and E. purpurea. Each are used equally in modern practice. Most herbalists prefer liquid hydro-alcohol extracts for rapid absorption and prolonged shelf life.RELATEDLINKS: Read more about echinacea on NYBC's Echinacea Fact Sheet

BOTANICAL: Indolplex (diimdolylmethane [DIM]) A substance derived from broccoli that helps maintain healthy estrogen metabolism in both men and women and appears to help the body eradicate cancer cells.

Suggested for: women on estrogen replacement therapy, men with increasing prostate antigen levels, and both men and women who are aging.

BOTANICAL: IP 6 (Inositol hexaphosphate , a.k.a. phytic acid) A substance found in soybeans and rice bran that appears to enhance natural killer cell (NK) activity and may be protective against cancer and certain toxins. It also seems to be useful in lowering blood fats, including cholesterol.CAUTIONS: IP 6 can decrease absorption of iron, zinc, manganese and other minerals, so take your minerals separately Ė maybe even skipping a day. Since it helps get rid of excess iron, itís useful for hepatitis, but bad for iron-deficiency anemia.

BOTANICAL: Ligustrum Fruit (Ligustrum chinensis): Has been shown to increase white blood cell count in those with leukopenia due to chemo and radiation therapies and increase general immune resistance.

It is one of the primary botanicals used to support immune resistance while undergoing conventional therapies for cancer. Best used in conjunction with other immune modulating botanicals such as astragalus, atractylodes, and schisandra.

BOTANICAL: Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa): Maitake is one among a number of medicinal mushrooms widely used in the treatment and prevention of cancer.

The primary actions of maitake include: increased secretion of interleukin- and 2, which in turn stimulate the bodyís cancer fighting mechanisms; and increased macrophage, natural killer cell, and CD4 activity. These activities are reportedly due to maitakeís rich concentration of the immunomodulating polysaccharide beta-glucan.

According to Dr. Hiroaki Nanba, a Japanese researcher who discovered this fraction in maitake, the mushroom works in four ways to help in the treatment and prevention of cancer:1. Protecting healthy cells from becoming cancerous2. Inhibiting the spread of cancer3. Inhibiting tumor growth4. Lessening side effects associated with chemotherapy

A limited number of clinical reports showing positive effects used a variety of dosages including a low of 25 mg and a high of 150 mg of beta-glucan fraction. Some of the cases included an additional 6 g of maitake fruiting body. A standard dose has been recommended as 1 mg of beta-glucan fraction per kilo of body weight (approximately 70 mg for average male adult weight).

BOTANICAL: Schisandra Fruit (Schisandra chinensis): The primary importance of schisandra in supporting immune functions is its action as an adaptogen and enhancing energy production, endurance, and recovery from exertion.

It also exhibits anti-inflammatory and liver-protecting effects.

It is best used in conjunction with other immune modulating botanicals such as astragalus, ligustrum, and atractylodes.CAUTIONS: Schisandra may modulate cytochrome P-450 enzyme systems, and therefore, may alter the effectiveness of conventional medications affected by this system.

Consult a qualified health care professional when using schisandra in conjunction with conventional medications (see below).

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With the herb not being present there, I did a wider search at sites like Bronsonvitamins.com, Nothing there.

then I cast my net wide and did the search and found the results I posted. Including that last one from biotonical.com, I'm not sure how a purgative(laxitive), that is highly toxic to horses, is a recommended herbal treatment for Poz folk.

If you can find anything about this herb, please let us know, right now I don't see how it would apply for us.